Apartment complex fills unmet need in WNC

The demand for stress-free, turnkey living was largely an untapped market in the region until the recent debut of VantagePointe Homes, a newly completed apartment community located in Waynesville.

The 160-unit apartment development on 13.5 acres isn’t the first community of its kind. There are comparable apartment complexes in most major metropolitan areas. But the arrival of one here has reshaped the rental landscape in the mountains.

“The exciting thing for us is that it really is an unparalleled living opportunity in Western North Carolina,” said Jessica Roberts, the leasing manager.

So far, 113 units have been rented, and the staff expects to see the place full by the end of the summer.

According to Roberts, VantagePointe Homes — with a clubhouse, pool, gym and no yard work— crosses demographics.

“When we first opened, it was retirees in the area looking to downsize who saw us and came in,” Roberts said. “Now it’s shifted, and we’re seeing a lot of corporations looking for housing for new hires and young professionals who want this kind of lifestyle.”

It’s like being on vacation all the time. Outside the apartment, everything is taken care of by the on-site staff.

“You never have to worry about your yard or bad neighbors or anything,” said Jonathan Ammons, a 28-year-old tenant who grew up in Waynesville. “If something goes wrong, there’s 24-hour maintenance. It’s honestly just easy.”

Even getting into an apartment is easy. There’s no first, last and deposit rule. Instead VantagePointe pro-rates rent and requires a modest move-in fee.

Every apartment has access to paid wireless Internet service, and there is free wireless at the clubhouse and pool. A stream runs along one side of the property.

Katherine Koch, 26, originally from the Detroit area, picked the apartment based solely on emailed photos after landing a job as the marketing director for Western Carolina University’s athletic program.

“I didn’t have time to come down and get a place so I did everything online and over the phone,” Koch said.

Now that she’s here, Koch says she likes living midway between the WCU campus and Asheville, and appreciates having a gym with weights and machines at the clubhouse.

And that’s what Roberts and VantagePointe Homes are selling.

“It is maintenance-free living as much for a retired person who wants to relax as it is an accessible upscale development for a professional who wants those amenities,” Roberts said. “To hit both ends of that spectrum is something we’re pretty proud of.”